Three novel 4,7-bis(n-pyridylethynyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazoles (n = 2, 3, and 4) were synthesized by using the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction of 4,7-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole with the corresponding ethynylpyridines in the presence of a Pd(II) catalyst. The viologen analogues were also prepared by methylation of pyridyl nitrogen atoms. X-raystructure analysis of these compounds revealed the